Justin glances at Alessia. He does not seem disturbed by her,... condition. (At least he's not showing it.)
"Yeah,... A major-league sunburn is not on the travel itinerary. We'll make sure to avoid that."
The party emerges into the foggy bazaar and walks back towards Hellgate. They retrace their earlier steps, passing through Gear Run, then the Lower Ward proper, then down the bustling baccanal of Alehouse Row. Before Afterpeak ticks over as they make their way through the Temple District, passing from the screaming ascetic street saints and prophets to the gilt palaces of the well-worshipped powers.
The mansions and shops of Razorvine on Hiddleston fall behind them as they make their way into Plague Court and enter the central Thoroughfare of the Market Ward, Copperman’s Way.
The ride boulevard is cloaked in deep fog and darkness, hiding the myriad commuters finishing out their chores of the day. A mind flayer emerges from the gloom briefly, attended by a squad of burly bugbears. Various beasts of burden snort and low in the darkness. The cobbles are mostly dry, but mounded by refuse and dung. Vermin from a dozen Planes vye for the choicest morsels.
Copper Court appears, and the cheerful light of the Copper Cauldron illuminates the grey smog. Dinner is underway, and as they pass they see Renkar supping with Hanali, Mercutio at his shoulder
Renkar greets them warmly and inquires after their mission. They all chat for a while, talking about the strange encounter with the odd man-thing and his amorphous minion.
“I received word that tonight Rhiannon’s funeral will occur. I have been contacting any I thought would come. We have several hours before Antipeak, the traditional hour of funerals for the Dustmen. Any who will come should get ready. We’ll start off at 3 BAP. “
A hearty meal is produced by Bess and Ramona, and the party eats and then heads to their rooms to get ready
Hamar beds down for the night though he sleeps with one eye open in this new strange place.
Alessia doesn't sleep. Ever.
Night descends as the sourceless weak light of Sigil fades into inky fog-shrouded darkness. The dinner crowd thickens, the hum of good conversation rising. Suddenly several familiar figures enter the inn. Ekuur arrives, his burly form walking towards the group with a smile. As the party greets him, a slender form arrives. Issac comes in, nodding to all around.
During the chat-eat-and-catch-the-boss-up time, Justin once again mentions how tired he is of these 'mind-mages' being two steps ahead of him,... THEM, all the time. Briefly the wizard entertains images of fireballing them. (Whoever THEM is.) Repeatedly. But he shakes it off and washes the feeling away with Ramona's excellent cooking and mulled wine.
When Ekuur arrives, Justin is glad to see him. When Issac arrives, he is ecstatic. He hadn't realized just how much he had missed these two. Then he thoughtfully looks over the new(er) comers to the group as they are introduced around.
'Hm. The more things change, the more they stay the same,...'
"Huh, nice seeing you all," Karrin says as old friends join the funeral, "I wish it was under better circumstance, but I guess this is the life we choose, and we got to accept that the only sure way we're all going to be reunited with our friends is in situations like this."
Hamar grunts in greeting as the "newcomers", from his perspective anyway, arrive. He wonders if they will burn the woman as is warranted when such a valiant warrior falls in battle.
Merle gives the new arrivals a smile and a wave as they arrive.
Swift sweeps in the door, waving enthusiastically to the group. She looks well, and is visibly pregnant. Why talking she lets them know she’s married to that barrister Sly Nye and is living in the Marble District with her new husband
Hamar's look of fascination is hard to ignore, here is some female living in this crazy place having a child as if she were in some small village. The normalcy of that statement is perhaps the most odd thing he's seen here yet! Imagine growing up as a child and going to the market with Devils and Angels walking about, Hamar's dreams were never so strange much less every day existence.
After hello hugs and introductions are done, the group sits down to drink a BT and reminisce on Rhiannon. They continue until almost Antipeak when a man dressed in riding leathers and a Cager Cloak approaches Renkar.
“Your carriages are here m’lud”
Renkar ushers the party outside, and along the small roadway are four black carriages, trimmed in silver paint. There are four ‘horses’ to each carriage. The horses are metallic clockwork approximations of horses, more skeletal looking than the actual animal. The party climb aboard and ride off to the Mortuary
The ride is smooth and uneventful, with the Lady’s Ward and Lower Ward passing in a blur. The spider shaped dome of the Mortuary soon tears up in front of them. Those that remember their hijinks in this place wince as they see the scars abs graffiti by the main gate as they travel in.
Attendants assist them down as the carriages come to a halt. The party is led to a large viewing chamber where Rhiannon’s corpse is laid out in state with her armor on. Mara the cenobite is in attendance, her human glammer in place. Next to her is a small child, possibly 100 cycles old , although possibly older if she was sickly and malnourished. The child glares at the party as they enter
Hamar stays farthest back awaiting the actions of the others. He has never attended a funeral outside of his own people's territory nor did he know Rhiannon particularly well.
Mara approaches the group. The child with her stays back by the door leading further into the building
“I hope you see we have prepared your comrade in a respectful way. Do you wish to have someone officiate the service or will one of your people do it?”
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Karrin approaches the alter and gently touches Rhiannon's head.
"So long sister, we shall meet again in the next world I hope. Your sacrifice will not be forgotten."
Mara approaches the group. The child with her stays back by the door leading further into the building
“I hope you see we have prepared your comrade in a respectful way. Do you wish to have someone officiate the service or will one of your people do it?”
"I think Ekuur should do it," Karrin says, "I don't know how similar his beliefs are to the ones Rhiannon followed, but presumably she's with her god now, and so this service is for us and Ekuur is one of our own. If he's willing he should say the words for Rhiannon"
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At the Copper Cauldron Isaac can’t help but grin at the sight of his old comrades, despite the somber occasion. Back-slapping hugs, vigorous hand shakes and hard basher appropriate toughguy nods are exchanged, according to a cutter’s preference. He looks much the same despite his time out of the Rose- though he’s sporting a silly worker’s tan right across his face, dividing the more ruddy top half of his face from the more pale lower half of his face. His Godsmen badge is still prominently displayed on the shirt over his chain mail, but looking closely those that know him can see he’s not wearing his old ring anymore.
”Well cutters, it’s a sad antipeak but at least we’re all together to bid Rhiannon farewell on the way to her next link in the chain.... or to the Powers she revered.”
During the viewing, he briefly grasps Rhiannon’s forearm before sadly returning to the company.
Justin enjoys the company of companions new and old, and seems to seriously enjoy the carriage ride, despite the sad occasion. He doesn't even try to hide his fascination at the clockwork/golem horses.
WHen they arrive at the Mortuary, he hides a smile. The LAST time he was here, they had tried subtlety to gain uninvited entrance. And it had worked. Until it didn't. The last view he'd had of the inside of the Mortuary was as he leapt through a closing portal to the Elemental Plane of Fire.
Ah, Good Times.
At the Viewing, He softly seconds Karrin's request for Ekuur to 'officiate', even if it is just a few words. It seems fitting to him.
He takes a turn standing next to Rhiannon for a few moments, and mutters softly. "Sorry I couldn't save you. I promise I'll learn more, and get better at that. Wherever you are, Ride well. And thanks for saving my skinny wizard's bacon. More than once."
Justin gives Rhiannon a slight but reverent bow. Then takes a seat to wait for the others to pay their respects.
He sniffs slightly, and rubs at the bridge of his hawkish nose. Looking around, his gaze settles on the waifish child, still lurking back in the shadow of the doorway. She is still glaring.
Justin resists the urge to facepalm himself and ruin the solemn occasion for the others.
He'd said that surely the Mortuary had a selection of available corpses for 'The Hitchhiker' to avail itself of. Ones that DIDN'T have a bevy of hurt and angry bodyguards willing to battle and die to protect the remains of their companion and friend from 'desecration' by possession.
Apparently he'd been right. OR very very wrong.
Presuming that the child was the hitchhiker's latest 'ride', there must not have been much of a choice in the matter, or she wouldn't look so,...perturbed.
In the interest of tact, Alessia remains deathly silent and stays out of everyone's way, though a sharp eye might notice the deathgrip she has on the pommel of her sword.
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Ekuur agrees to speak and ascends the dias Rhiannon’s bier rests on. He is arrayed in more civilian garb now, a robe of shifting reds and yellows evocative of flames. His shaven scalp gleams in the light of the magical globes studding the walls. He begins with a brief personal account of his memories of Rhiannon, their time assisting the Hanalindrim and Lauralia. He then speaks a few ritual passages from his religion, brief but poignant. He concludes with a revalation
“A few nights ago, I was visited by Lauralia Herself. She is still able to contact me as I had been her Bearer during her travels to Hanalindali. She revealed that she guided Rhiannon’s soul out of that horror world where she fell, and that she used her power to reincarnate her anew in Hanalindali. She is now serving as a captain in the Royal Guard. So, although it is a sad occasion, we can take comfort that our comrade is happy and safe.”
Justin stares at Ekuur, mouth agape.
This may be the first time, (and probably the last) that he has ever heard of getting an actual, straight answer, from one who knows, (and whom Justin Trusts to tell the truth), about what happens after you die.
There's at least one Power-Belief-system vindicated.
Justin sneaks a sidelong glance at Issac. And begins re-evaluating some of his decisions in light of this recent development.
I mean, does he seriously want to risk coming back as a kangaroo-rat?
Ekuur's eulogy is brief but profoundly stirring, but Justin's mind is whirring like a runaway water-wheel, so he doesn't even notice the tear trickling down his cheek.
Blayze solemnly participates in the funeral, understanding the importance of ceremonies such as this to the loved ones of the fallen.
Ekuur finishes the service and calls for anyone to speak who’d like to share memories of their friend.
Ekuur and Mara have a quiet conversation and Ekuur returns to the group
“Mara has agreed to let me supervise the portaling of Rhisnnon to the Elemental Plane of Fire. I will ensure she is treated with dignity and not stolen. “
After the funeral Nari talks to the group. She looks sad, but determined
“I know we have been through a lot, but today has really brought me to question exactly what I am accomplishing. We chase some evil creature through the planes and we fight off other evil creatures who want some item the Justin has. It all seems a bit much to me. I’m tired. Tired of watching friends die and being in peril. “
Tears begin to glimmer in her eyes
“I think I’m going to take a leave of absence, Renkar. The Gatehouse always has need of volunteers and perhaps I can work on my own peace while I am there”
She hugs everyone and walks off towards the Hive
Issac, Swift, and Ekuur all say their goodbyes. Ekuur escorts Rhiannon with Mara. Six skeletons polished to a gleaming ivory carry her bier into the higher reaches of the Mortuary. The small girl who had glared from the shadows throughout the ceremony spits on the floor and departs back to the dark hallway. Renkar turns to the group
“A nights sleep and you’ll be off to Erelhi-Cinlu “
Hamar says nothing, talking is not his strong suit.
He does chuckle at the child spitting on the floor but says nothing further after that. When he returns to the... base, Inn, what is it that is exactly the right word he seeks out a female companion to share his bed.
It has been some time since Hamar has done this, he has survived many things which few other humans have and the gravity of the situation in which he has found himself in has begun to weigh on him. If this trip out into the plains, or is it planes?, is to be his last, he will at least leave in the morning with a smile on his face!
Justin gives Ekuur his thanks, He has missed the brawny fire-priest and their lively, 'enlightened' discussions. He does promise to visit Ekuur's Fire Temple. In his copious spare time. When he gets some. Eventually.
The wizard also politely thanks Mara for her arrangements.
Justin was so tense hoping that the usually predictably-unpredictable group would refrain from, somehow, starting 'something', (Accidentally of course), and so relieved that the solemn ceremony remained solemn, that Nari's announcement afterwords takes him completely by surprise.
Nari, whose quiet, shy, insecure yet somehow unshakable inner strength and loyalty to her friends had been there from his first day with the group. If Karrin was the courageous 'heart' of the team, then Nari had been it's gentle soul.
Justin's legs almost buckle. Fortunately Isaac is nearby, one strong arm casually holding the back of the wizard's coat while he regains control of his limbs. A pat on the back tells Justin that Isaac understands.
Then it is Justin's turn to receive a farewell hug from Nari, and he instinctively is as gentle as possible with the frail-seeming woman. He mutters something encouraging, (he can't recall what, to be honest) wishing he could tell her what she's meant to him. Then he realizes he doesn't know exactly what that is. And in typical Wizardly (or at least Justin-ly) fashion, files THAT away under 'To Be Figured Out. Later.'.
He gives her his best Trademark Smirk of Encouragement as they part.
Justin says farewell to the others, and watches as Ekuur goes with Mara to escort Rhiannon to the Plane of Fire for her Final Farewell. Justin notes the white knuckles on the hand Ekuur holds his Trikal with. He gives a small smile. He is well aware of the fire priests strong opinion of undead.
Justin bites his lip as Hamar chuckles at the sight of the small child spitting on the floor. No sense in laughing aloud and adding insult to injury. He is just happy that the terrible situation ended as well as it could have under the circumstances.
Renkar turns to the group
“A nights sleep and you’ll be off to Erelhi-Cinlu “
"Yep. Sleep. JUST as soon as I finish picking up a few things, and finish enchanting a couple of items for the group." Justin grins at Renkar.
"Aw, who am I kidding? Sleep is overrated anyway." Justin shrugs with a smirk.
The wizard thanks Renkar for allowing him to set up a lab in the Silver Rose premises, handing his boss a small bag of coins he had been reserving for the project.
As he hands Renkar the bag he mutters, "Judging by how much of the equipment you had already gathered, if I didn't know any better, I'd say that Nari wasn't the ONLY mind-reader in the Silver Rose!"
IN a most uncharacteristic, un-Justin, Non-Verbose manner, the wizard tells the others that with his new spells he can travel faster alone, and he needs to hurry if he is to finish all that he hopes to do before the next day. Maybe he's showing off his new skills, or maybe he just needs time alone to process,... everything.
Either way, Outside the Mortuary, he VERY carefully casts a spell, and vanishes from sight with a 'POP' of displaced air.
Justin Teleports to his apartment, where he (presumably) has a very 'interesting' conversation with Skyy about his lack of attention. Or presence. However THAT turns out, he gathers some things from the apartment, summons Goldenwing and rides the Bronze Griffon to travel swiftly from shop to shop gathering what he needs. He gives Goldenwing a treat and uses his amulet to re-cast the Teleport spell, giving the bronze griffon a ride for a change. At the Silver Rose offices, Justin Thanks Goldenwing again before returning him to the statue, and goes into the Rose, and to the newly-appointed laboratory.
Memnon comes out (From wherever he has been hiding. Apparently the crystal Mehir really DID want to keep a low profile, at least from certain parties.) and floats above Justin's shoulder as the wizard sorts a most interesting collection of odds and ends across a large, previously empty worktable.
"And WHAT, Pray tell, can you possibly be thinking of doing with THAT collection of,... 'junk' is a nice word,...?" Memnon practically oozes sarcasm.
Justin uses a spark cantrip to light a brazier.
"Work now. Snark later. We've got a LOT to do."
The wizard turns to the floating skull. The gleam in the wizard's eyes surprises Memnon enough that he floats backwards just a little.
"Let's make some MAGIC!"
Justin appears in his slightly-disreputable apartment, and surprises Skyy asleep in the bed. She hugs him and pooh poohs his worries about being mad
“Look lover, I know what you do for a living. As long as you keep me in shiny gifts and don’t make a fuss about me dancing in the Marble District, we’re good. Although...”
She looks about the basement apartment
“You might want to maybe lease a nicer space? Seeing as you are making real coin these days”
The next day is spent fixing up the new lab. The sub-sub basement is ideal, and after clearing a bit of debris out Justin gets the place looking all wizardry in no time. He readies for some potent magicing
Karrin is also shocked to hear Nari is not coming with the group, but she can honestly say she's not surprised, Nari was never a natural adventurer, but she seemed to be learning. Having her quit after making so much progress seemed like a waste. Plus Nari was her friend and she'd miss having her around. Still, better to lose Nari this way rather than how the group lost Rhiannon, because although Karrin wouldn't be seeing Nari as much she would at least see her again . . . supposing something horrible didn't happen to Nari while they were away on their mission. You could never be too certain about the cage, it was full of strangers from all over existence, and while it was usually pretty safe Karrin wouldn't be around to keep her eyes on Nari while they were off at Erelhi-Cinlu, and what was worse Karrin had no idea how long they'd be staying. Finding a drow assassin in a city of drow could be a long and difficult task and worst of all Karrin didn't know anything about drow food. It couldn't be at all good if she hadn't heard about it or it wasn't something that everyone ate in the cage.
"I'm sorry to see you go Nari," Karrin says as she hugs her friend, "You take care of yourself while I'm away. Hopefully we won't be gone too long, but this Tenebrous guy's got to be stopped, and I guess that means sneaking into a drow city and stuff, not too sure about the details, but I'm sure I can axe around, you know tap people's heads, see what they know, I'm no good at planning but I'm real great at getting people to open their minds and stuff. I can really get inside someone's head. Maybe not as cleanly as you Nari but if anyone can axe around and get to the bottom of this mystery in your absence it's gonna be me."
Karrin waits till Nari is gone before she's left with the rest of the group.
"I didn't want to worry her, but make sure you pack some rations, there's no telling what the drow consider food. I like a nice mushroom broth as much as the next person but I'm guessing everything will be over salted and the main protein is gonna be bugs, which might seem pretty good, but let me warn you that the bugs you get on the surface are way tastier that anything living underground, and don't get me started on pickles, I mean they're great, obviously, but without peppers or dill everything is gonna be a version of salt pickles, which might be a nice kick for your flavorless bug paste, but it's gonna get old real fast. So pack your bags and let's hope we can get back home fast."
After the ceremony, the same funeral carriages await the party. They set off into the Antipeak darkness, fog swirling around the glass windows. Ragpicker’s Square clatters past, its clientele much deader than the party was used to during the Peak hours. Considering it’s proximity to the Mortuary that’s not surprising.
The Lower Ward rears up, and the carriages roll through the crowd of graveyard shift workers. Somewhere in that tangle of factories Issac works towards becoming his best self.
The carriages take a circuitous route to bypass Alehouse Row, as that main artery is currently clogged with merrymakers of all stripes celebrating another Peak in the Cage. They pass through the Lady’s Ward quickly, only seeing crowds in the Temple District.
Copperman’s Way greets them, its wide boulevard a boon to travel. They soon arrive at The Copper Cauldron and debark. Bess’ brother is holding the Antipeak shift, and the common room is deserted save for a few late workers and a few jinkskirts.
the party goes up to their rooms, eager to get a nights sleep
Hamar heads to the Bazaar though he does not seek out a bizarre companion, a human female is what he is interested in. Muscular in build, not some elven waif type!
Hamar walks down to the Great Bazaar. The swirl of stalls and shops, larger in scale than most cities , is always impressive. He sees many taverns and grog shops about, and one raucous one catches his attention, The Idol’s Eye. The sounds from inside are raucous and merry, and he sees many sturdy, athletic women walking in the door
Inside is pandemonium. It’s an adventurer’s tavern, catering to the more physical types. There’s an arm-wrestling championship and darts as well. Several play a strange game with balls and sticks on a felt-covered table. A raven-haired beauty arrayed in a very well-worn studded leather armor outfit drinks alone at the bar. She idly flips a small dagger over her knuckles. She seems to have a bandolier of similar knives across her chest
Hamar approaches the raven haired woman at the bar and takes a position next to her standing and looking at the barkeep, "Ale to wet down my dry throat".
He then shifts his pack and "accidentally" bumps into her as he removes coins to place on the bar.
The woman jumps up off the stool and whirls to face Hamar. Two small daggers stick out from her hands. She scowls at ,Hamar, anger gleaming in Her jade green eyes
“Watch where you are going, you clumsy oaf!”
She speaks Common, but with a strange accent, harsh and turning the W sounds into a buzzing V sound
Hamar grunts, "Hmmm. Your eyes glitter when you are angry. How about a drink to soothe my clumsiness?"
The woman’s eyes still glitter, but a wry smile slowly replaces her scowl. She gives Hamar an appraising look
“Well, barbarian, I haven’t seen your like since the Cempathian Steppes. I suppose I cannot fault you for your clumsiness. No one even schooled you in city manners”
She shouts over the bar noise
“Leetha! Another Fireflower for me, and whatever the tall man is drinking. He’s paying”
She eases her daggers back into their sheathes and her least her-clad body back into the stool. She gestures next to her.
“Sit barbarian. What is your name and how do you come to the market of the Multiverse?”
The next couple of Peaks after Rhiannon’s funeral are busy. Their contact Lissandra is notified they’ll be delayed for a half-cycle or so while they travel to the Quasi-Elemental Plane of Mineral. Justin arranges his new wizards lab, unpacking the supplies Renkar has contracted for him. Memnon assists , somewhat. He at least gives Justin a lot of (off) color commentary while Justin sweats to assemble furniture and shelving.
The rest of the party takes the last few days to buy anything else they need. Sturdy denim and leather clothing is easy enough to procure. The nice thing about the Cage is everything is at hand
The Party sets off after getting set to the Dwarven district to seek out the deep neighborhood of the Earthborn
Hamar sits down and grins back at her, "I am Hamar of the Hyena Tribe.
On my homeworld I was partaking in Gladiator bloodsport for the amusement of a decadent Demi-God. Just as we were about to lose to a superior foe, after much bloodletting, the largest Dragon I have ever seen, five heads, all chromatic in color attacked the God. Tiamat was here name, so sayeth the Wizard of our group".
Hamar shrugs as the name has no meaning for him. "Chaos erupted and as the arena collapsed around us, my companions tried to cast spells to save us from the death reigning down from this Dragon and her children who simultaneously attacked the rest of the city setting it to flame.
I wager that the spell cast upon me went awry as I found myself transported, is that the right word?" He pauses as his drink is served trying to remember the right word. He brings the drink to his lips then the word he was searching for comes to mind and he puts it back down.
"Teleported, I think that is it. To a place I had never before seen.
A place that housed only the dead. Through wits and luck. I survived for a few days. No food. No water. No other living thing in sight.
Then, the Gods, who ever the hell they may be I cared not at the time, saw fit to have my path cross with another group of 'venturers, living ones. We assisted each other in escaping from that dreaded place and brought me here.
I suppose I could have my new Wizard send me home. But... home to what? My companions are likely scattered or dead. My tribe is... that is a longer story and I do not seek to bore you.
So I have decided to stay with these new companions. After all, I owe them a life boon.
Much as these companions amuse me, tonight, I seek another type of companionship as my next trip with them could well be my last.
Tell me, are you up for sport this night?" He then picks up and downs his drink and looks at her expectantly.
Hamar does not ask her name, he does not care overmuch...
The woman smiles and leans closer as he speaks. The bartender drops Hamar’s drink and an Orange-red concoction at the woman’s elbow
“A most interesting tale, Hamar. Complete with a fight with Tiamat! Impressive!”
She continues
“My name is Belit. My tale is one of accidental arrival as well. I come from the city-state of Kemal originally, but I made my fortune in the Pirate Dominions of Tsing-Tao. I had my own ship, the Traitor’s Kiss, and fared all over the Jade Sea in search of treasure. I even braved the Storm Wizard’s dominion. That was my downfall. The Wizard was most potent, and his islanders were fierce fighters. We rounded the main island of the Naoriu Archipelago intent on raiding their main town of Palago when the wizard conjured a fierce storm on us. He ripped a portal to another plane, and my ship landed in Pazuzu’s Realm. After a long fight against demons and the like I managed to find my way here”
She smiles wider
“But I can see the time for old tales is over. Shall we make a new one?”
The woman leads Hamar off to her lodgings
Copperman’s Way greets them, its wide boulevard a boon to travel. They soon arrive at The Copper Cauldron and debark. Bess’ brother is holding the Antipeak shift, and the common room is deserted save for a few late workers and a few jinkskirts. [/i]
the party goes up to their rooms, eager to get a nights sleep
Ramuah stops to check with Bess' brother for packages, and is pleased to find that four packages are waiting for her. "Excellent, I was worried my requests for customization might delay these items' arrivals too much!"
She carries them eagerly to a corner table and unwraps the smallest, to pull out a pair of ordinary looking spectacles and put them on. She looks around the room curiously for a bit, her gaze stopping to roam all the writing visible from her seat. As she find an odd looking word carved into the table in front of her in Abyssal, she raises and lowers the spectacles from her sight as she stares at it. "Perfect! Though...a bit crude. Hmmm."
She shrugs and pulls out a second package, revealing a floppy short rimmed cap in the blandest beige color imaginable. She turns it over and over in her hands for a moment, then places it on the table and pulls out a pair of plain, well polished vambraces. As she buckles them on, beautiful images of the rainbow tailed bird shimmer into being, matching the embroidered bird on her surcoat and the enameled rainbow bird on her silver necklace.
"Amazing! Ah, but I've been waiting to see how this turns out!" she exclaimed as she unwrapped the last package to reveal a white cloak festooned with large eagle feathers. The feathers appeared to have been dyed in various bright colors. The darker bands of brown showed only the slightest variation in color from the applied dyes, but the white bands took to the dye beautifully. "I'll have to be careful testing this out," she mused as she pulled the cape from side to side to cause it to swirl around her, "but now is the perfect time to test the hat."
She placed the plain cap on her head and it turned into a long barrette in her hair, with seven brightly colored ribbons wrapped around it and falling to be braided into her hair. She closed her eyes for a moment and her clothing shifted to the drab brown clothing of a common laborer. She examined herself and nodded, then frowned for a second and her face assumed a more human flesh toned color, though her eyes were a strange gold and seemed to glow. She examined her hand and arm, turning it from side to side. "I might be less of a problem for my new companions if I have a chance of fitting in better."
She looked up at Justin, who was talking about enchanting items. Maybe she could talk to him sometimes about these wonderful paints she saw while browsing. But that wasn't important now. The mention of rations from Karrin was. "Karrin, I do not require any rations, but can accompany anyone who must venture out this evening for them."
"Karrin, I do not require any rations, but can accompany anyone who must venture out this evening for them."
"I'm just glad someone heard my warning."
The woman smiles and leans closer as he speaks. The bartender drops Hamar’s drink and an Orange-red concoction at the woman’s elbow
“A most interesting tale, Hamar. Complete with a fight with Tiamat! Impressive!”
She continues
“My name is Belit. My tale is one of accidental arrival as well. I come from the city-state of Kemal originally, but I made my fortune in the Pirate Dominions of Tsing-Tao. I had my own ship, the Traitor’s Kiss, and fared all over the Jade Sea in search of treasure. I even braved the Storm Wizard’s dominion. That was my downfall. The Wizard was most potent, and his islanders were fierce fighters. We rounded the main island of the Naoriu Archipelago intent on raiding their main town of Palago when the wizard conjured a fierce storm on us. He ripped a portal to another plane, and my ship landed in Pazuzu’s Realm. After a long fight against demons and the like I managed to find my way here”
She smiles wider
“But I can see the time for old tales is over. Shall we make a new one?”
The woman leads Hamar off to her lodgings
Hamar grins and follows along ready for this adventure!
"You know of that Tiamat?
How is this possible. She was a vicious Dragon for sure, unlike any other I had seen or heard of but how is it that you know of here when we are from different worlds?"
Belit smiles lazily
“Hamar, Tiamat is the goddess of evil dragon kind! She is worshipped across a thousand worlds in a thousand aspects. She holds a realm in Avernus, where she guards the Iron Gate. She even has a proxy here in Sigil, a dragonkin called Arkhan the Cruel”
Hamar is shocked by the revelation revealed to him. The near death experience was much nearer to death than he realized and makes him want to experience life at least one more tie before he leaves Belit...